Andrew Heaney

Andrew Heaney's Biography

Andrew Mark Heaney, a native of Oklahoma City, was born on June 5, 1991. From an early age, it was apparent that he had an affinity for baseball, and his talent was developed at Putnam City High School in Warr Acres, Oklahoma.

Being selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 24th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft signaled his promising sporting future. Opting for higher education, he chose not to sign with the Rays, enrolling instead at Oklahoma State University. There, his talent quickly gained recognition as he stood out playing for the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Big 12 Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) Division I. The summer of 2011 saw him pitching in collegiate summer baseball for the Falmouth Commodores of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

Heaney’s astounding skills in pitching took center stage during his junior season in 2012. With an 8–2 win–loss record, a 1.60 earned run average (ERA), and 140 strikeouts under his belt, he led all NCAA pitchers. In recognition of his impressive season, he was named the Big 12 Conference Baseball Pitcher of the Year. The accolades did not stop there; Heaney was also named a first-team All-American by Baseball America, Collegiate Baseball, the American Baseball Coaches Association, and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.

His talent on the field did not go unnoticed by Major League Baseball (MLB) scouts. Heaney was drafted in the first round of the 2012 MLB draft by the Miami Marlins as the ninth overall selection. A generous signing bonus of an estimated $2.6 million marked the beginning of his professional baseball career.

Heaney’s first year at the professional level, 2013, was split between the Jupiter Hammerheads of the Class A-Advanced Florida State League and the Jacksonville Suns of the Class AA Southern League. His skills were evident from the start as he amassed a remarkable 34 inning scoreless streak. By 2014, he again split his time between Jacksonville and the New Orleans Zephyrs of the Class AAA Pacific Coast League. Making his Class AAA debut against the Oklahoma City Redhawks, he pitched five innings, allowing one run on seven hits, adding seven strikeouts, and no walks. On June 19, 2014, his MLB debut saw him go six innings against the New York Mets, allowing one run and striking out three batters.

December 10, 2014, marked a significant transition in his career. Heaney was traded by the Marlins to the Los Angeles Dodgers, alongside Chris Hatcher, Austin Barnes, and Enrique Hernández. The players were exchanged for Dan Haren, Dee Gordon, and Miguel Rojas. However, his tenure with the Dodgers was short-lived; within five hours, he was traded to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for Howie Kendrick. His parting words to the Dodgers were a charming farewell tweet, expressing gratitude for the brief time spent with them.

Under the banner of the Angels, Heaney proved his worth in the 2015 season, going 6–4 in 105 innings. Despite experiencing a significant setback in 2016, when he suffered an elbow injury that side-lined him from the game for an extended period, he bounced back admirably. His career was further threatened the following year when he underwent Tommy John surgery but his resolve remained unwavering.

Celebrating his 27th birthday on June 5, 2018, Heaney pitched a one-hit complete game shutout as the Angels won 1–0 over the Kansas City Royals. He became the only Angels starter to start 30 games with a 9–10 record with an ERA of 4.15 and 180 strikeouts in 180 innings. Over the next couple of years, Heaney faced some difficulties with injuries, but his pitching prowess remained a formidable force.

In 2021, Heaney’s career took another significant turn when he was traded to the New York Yankees. Notably, he was the starting pitcher in the first Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, Iowa. Despite some challenges, including being designated for assignment prior to the 2021 American League Wild Card Game, Heaney’s career didn’t falter. He rejected his outright assignment and elected free agency in October 2021 and signed a one-year, $8.5-million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In his time with the Dodgers, he delivered an impressive performance.

December 9, 2022, heralded yet another chapter in Heaney’s professional career when he signed a two-year contract with the Texas Rangers. In a memorable game against the Kansas City Royals in April 2023, Heaney set a franchise record by recording 9 consecutive strikeouts and tying the American League record. A key part of the Rangers’ post-season run, he contributed significantly to the team’s victorious World Series campaign, earning his first World Series ring.

Heaney’s pitching style is characterized by its overhand technique and long stride. He primarily uses three pitches: a four-seam fastball, a curveball, and a changeup. In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Heaney is respected for his off-field contributions. Along with his high school sweetheart and wife, Jordan, he implemented a dog therapy program at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County.